The NY Jets can make a statement against the Ravens in Week 1

When the NFL schedule was officially released back on May 12, fans of the NY Jets were met with a rather daunting sight. Week 1. Baltimore Ravens.

A professional football coach wouldn't ever admit to it, but Robert Saleh likely isn't fond of the first few weeks of the Jets' schedule. After Week 1, a home-opening bout against Baltimore, the Jets run the rest of the gauntlet through the AFC North.

Aside from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens pose the biggest threat to New York. A Week 1 contest that features former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson should be exciting. For Jets fans, it should be exhilarating and exhausting.

The Jets haven't come out victorious in a Week 1 matchup since 2018 when former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold led his team to a rout over the Detroit Lions on the road.

The Jets are due for a team performance like the one Darnold was a part of. Will it come Week 1 versus Baltimore? One can only hope.

The NY Jets will hope for a strong Week 1 performance against the Ravens

The Jets have beaten the Ravens twice over the team's 63-year history. Those two victories came at home. If the Jets were to make it a third on September 11, 2022, that would certainly get the season off on the right foot.

New York will be heavily relying on their defense to slow down the speedy Lamar Jackson. Since entering the league back in 2018, Jackson has eclipsed over 3,600 rushing yards. 3,673, to be exact. Those numbers are wildly impressive for a quarterback, especially one who has been able to identify himself as a true dual-threat.

Forget the defense for a moment, because the main storyline for New York will be showcased on the offensive side of the football. Quarterback Zach Wilson will make his second-year debut against the Ravens.

The quarterback position for New York will be judged on two things in 2022. Wins and touchdowns. That certainly isn't all there is to being an NFL quarterback, but Wilson has to show that he's capable of attaining both of those items if he wants to remain the solidified starter for much longer.

Wilson's sophomore journey begins at home against a respected opponent. If Wilson can potentially pull out a win against one of the better teams the league has to offer, that will silence the majority of the naysayers for at least a week.

A statement will most surely be made if the NY Jets were to defeat the Baltimore Ravens on the 21st anniversary of 9/11. It will be a victory that resonates throughout the remaining 16 games on the Jets' 2022-23 schedule, and it will undoubtedly feel great heading into Week 2.